"It couldn't have been any better - the food was excellent, accommodations cozy and comfortable, a superb range of scenery and the most knowledgeable guides we've ever been with."  Kenneth Whitson, CT

"This tour gives you the real Scotland from a Highlander's perspective - not just the touristy (even though beautiful) Edinburgh and Loch Ness, but the remote and dramatic north western Highlands as well, which really sets this tour apart.  10 days too, just perfect..."  Fabian Capitani

DAY 1 
We meet in Edinburgh.  On arrival in the Scottish capital a thousand years of history is waiting to bowl you over, your first glimpse is something you’ll never forget, it’s like entering a stage set. The original city has grown from the mighty hill top bastion that is   Edinburgh Castle and it has spread with elegance to the 18th century Georgian “New Town” on the north side of Princess street. We will collect you at Edinburgh Airport (frequent trans Atlantic flights, no need to get caught up in  London) and a short drive will bring us to our Edinburgh hotel where we can assure you of a warm reception and lovely rooms. You will have time to relax before we meet to explain in detail the adventure that lies before us after which we invite you to join us for a sumptuous Scottish dinner.

DAY 2
Our journey of discovery begins in earnest.  As we leave Edinburgh we make our way north to the estuary of the Forth.  We cross over one of the world's greatest bridges from where, far below, islands that once held Napoleon's soldiers prisoner now act as sanctuaries to sea birds. By midday we will stretch our legs with a short, but  dramatic hike to a special picnic place above roaring river rapids.  We will hear an amazing tale of survival against all odds by one of King George’s  Recoat soldiers pursued by wild Highland clansmen and discover a little of the history of this enchanting corner of the Scottish Highlands.  In the afternoon, we will explore one of Scotland's greatest castles where you may entice Dig and James to tell you the intriguing tale of Mr. Douglas. By late afternoon we will have reached the gateway to the Highlands, the pretty market town of Aberfeldy, our home for the next two nights. It was here on the banks of the mighty River Tay that the first Highland Regiment was raised for the British Army - the  Black Watch. After settling into our comfortable rooms we invite you to join the lads at one of their favorite restaurants in Aberfeldy where the specialities are delicious highland venison and local lamb prepared to an old secret recipe of Mrs. Ferguson. Distance hiked today is 6 miles with 500 feet of ascent.

DAY 3
A hearty Scottish breakfast and early departure on a day of real exploration will see head out to explore Glen Lyon.  We shall follow the River Lyon to discover the rapids where Rob Roy leapt to safety from pursuing Campbell’s. Over lunch, we shall learn why the infamous Colin Campbell, Laird of Glen Lyon, was compelled to massacre the men, women and children of Glen Coe on the blizzard blown night of 13th February 1692. In the afternoon we shall discover the oldest tree in Europe which once offered shade to the Roman Legions who rested here en route to their near by camp. You may be surprised to know that the reputed birth place of Pontius Pilot is here in Fortingal.

Dig spent much of his early life in this wild land that was home to lawless clansmen.  Through his work with the British Forestry Service and later as a mountain guide, Dig came to know this wild country, it's unwritten history and many of the eccentric characters and hermits that inhabited the forests and glens.  Sadly, they were a dying breed of men who are no more, but Dig needs little urging to share his memories with you. As we cross the high pass by a narrow, twisting road that climbs the shoulder of mighty Ben Lawers, far below the silvery waters of Loch Tay will reflect the evening light where “Crannogs” once offered sanctuary to the ancient peoples.  Our journey home will take us by haunted Meggarnie Castle, Castle Menzies and mighty Taymouth Castle.  This was a land of fierce war like clans and tribes until the 18th century, indeed this was the last feudal society in western Europe, and castles were a necessity for safety in every day life.  Distance hiked today is 6 miles with 300 feet of ascent. On this occasion you will be free for dinner and there is a wealth of choice to suit every taste and budget.

DAY 4
This is the day we leave for our new home in the Central Highlands where we shall spend two nights at the home of James & Dig, Newtonmore.  En route we shall drive over Drumochter Pass to arrive at Dalwhinnie, gaelic for “the meeting place” and home to our local whisky distillery where we shall enjoy a tour and, of course, a tasting. From Dalwhinnie it is only 8 miles to Newtonmore, where, after meeting our friendly guest house hosts, we enjoy strolls along the River Calder which winds it’s way slowly down rugged Glen Banchor, home to the Wolf of Badenoch. Distance hiked today is 6 miles with 300 feet of ascent. We enjoy dinner together in Newtonmore.

DAY 5
After a satisfying hearty breakfast we make our way to Leault Farm to visit our friend Neil Ross. A former Scottish Brace Sheepdog Champion, our friend Neil will demonstrate the shepherding skills of his and his dogs. This is a great experience and if you are lucky Neil may even give you some dog training tips as you bottle feed the orphaned lambs. Later, we cross the River Feshie to near by Loch an Eilein - a beautiful loch with an island castle which sits in the shadows of the Cairngorm Mountains and ancient Caledonian Pine Forest.  We return to Newtonmore via Ruthven Barracks.  Distance hiked is 7 miles with 200 feet of ascent. You are free for dinner.

DAY 6

Today,  we depart for the North Western Highlands & the Atlantic Ocean by crossing Spean Bridge and up along the shores of Loch Gary and Loch Ness.  After a stroll around Fort Augustus where sits an old monastery, we shall enjoy lunch scanning the surface of the loch for mysterious movements.  En route we shall have splendid views across Loch Laggan to Ardverikie Castle, a one time retreat of Queen Victoria. Late afternoon will see us arrive at Dornie our home for the next two nights where great sea food can be bought straight out of Loch Duich, one of the dozens of Atlantic sea lochs on this beautiful north west coast.  Before dinner we will visit what is perhaps Scotland’s most majestic castle, Eilean Donan.  Distance hiked today is 6 miles with 400 feet of ascent.

DAY 7
We cross over the Atlantic to the Isle of Skye, ancient home to the Lords of the Isles where we shall visit Kilt Rock, and walk among the haunted glens of the Red and Black Cullin mountains and perhaps we shall pay a visit to that most famous of all West Coast Malts, the Talisker Whisky  Distillery.  Skye is a grand island and we shall enjoy a full day here exploring the rugged coastline and views of the mainland and out to distant North America to where so many Scots fled during the Highland Sheep Clearances of the late 18th century.  Distance hiked will be 6 miles with 400 feet of ascent.  We return to Dornie at dusk where, after dinner Dig & James will tell the eerie tale of the Seal  People.

DAY 8
Today, we make our way over the precipitous Beallach na ba pass by Applecross to our new northern home of Ullapool.  This is a land of awe inspiring beauty where the mountains rear up from the shores of the dark Atlantic to lofty peaks such as Leargach and Ben  Uhdlamen.  Before arriving at Ullapool, we will stop to hike over Corrieshalloch Gorge, a dramatic waterfall that plummets 200 feet to the depths of the mile long cold and mysterious gorge floor. Ullapool is a extremely picturesque village on the shores of Loch Broom and it’s surrounding area is home to the very best Highland scenery.  Our home for the next two nights often has live music where we can enjoy a ceilidh, fine ales and a malt after a dinner of locally caught fish and game before retiring to our cozy beds. Distance hiked is 5 miles with 200 feet of ascent.

DAY 9
After a morning stroll along the pier and a visit to the local store we make our way to near by Stac Pollaidh (“peak of the peat moss”).  This is one of most  spectacular mountains in the Highlands and though not terribly high, it grants us magnificent views of this magical area and indeed is the perfect place for our picnic and to tell you the chilling tale of the local Storm Witch.  We will return to Ullapool early in the afternoon to give you some free time in the village.  You may choose to enjoy the fireplace at the pub with dram in hand or relax with an afternoon snooze before dinner.   We can tell you that the braised  local venison haunch flavored with claret, thyme, heather honey and berries is delicious.  Distance hiked is 5 miles with 900 feet of ascent.

DAY 10
Bidding farewell to lovely Ullapool, we head south to Inverness. Our journey will give us splendid views of Ben Wyvis before arriving at the capital of the Highlands, Inverness.  Perched on the Moray Firth, Inverness is a charming old town located where the River Ness enters the North Sea and it will be our home for this, our last night together. Arriving in the afternoon, we shall make our way to Culloden Battlefield to pay our respects to the brave Highlanders and  Red Coats who died here in what was the last pitched battle on British soil in 1746.  We shall learn about the doomed uprising of the Jacobite Rebellion led by Charles Edward Stewart, Bonnie Prince Charlie and how his men were slain by King George's son, the infamous Butcher of Cumberland.

DAY 11
After a breakfast fit for a King, you might like to shop in the old town of Inverness or choose to join the lads for a stroll along the banks of the river Ness a fitting place for James & Dig to tell you the closing chapters of Scotland’s early & modern history.  How many towns in Europe can you watch seals catching salmon in the river from a bridge in the town center? Sadly, all good things come to an end and so we take you to   Inverness Airport for connections to Edinburgh, where there are regular flights home to the States (or London if you prefer).

We can tell you that this tour is very special.  It encompasses dramatic hikes, fabulous scenery, intriguing folklore & legends, good food and, of course, exemplary guiding. At it’s conclusion you will have enjoyed a remarkable experience that will stay with you for many, many years to come and that‘s a promise.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION:
GUIDES - Your guides on this adventure will be either Dig, Kate, James or John.  Each lives in the Highlands and have a great knowledge of this fascinating land, it's people, wildlife & history.

LAND COST
$3650.  Single Supplement $665.  

INCLUDED
The services of an incredibly knowledgeable Scottish guide; all accommodations sharing a double/twin room with private facilities for 10 nights; all transport throughout the tour; all breakfasts & 6 dinners. 

ACCOMMODATIONS
All our guest houses & hotels are ones we have used for many years.  They have been chosen for their charm, cozy appeal and grand Highland welcome.